Kaitlyn Halvorsen, Lincoln East Junior, recently competed in the national Miss Teen USA competition. The pageant took place in Reno, Nevada from October 20 to October 23. Halvorsen found her way to the national competition following her earlier crowning as Miss Nebraska Teen USA earlier this year at The Miss Nebraska Teen USA competition. Halvorsen, being only 16 years old, has many responsibilities and standards to uphold while representing the state of Nebraska.

“Throughout my reign, I will go and make appearances throughout the state just showing what the USA organization and system is all about,” Halvorsen said. “It’s about service and getting to know more people and getting them involved in pageantry and in that system as a whole.”

Thanks to her title, Havlorsen is able to have access to many exciting opportunities including attending the national Miss Teen USA pageant.

“I was extremely nervous but super excited,” Halvorsen said. “Of course you’re going to be nervous. It’s the biggest competition in pageantry besides Miss USA. It’s the most prestigious title in pageantry that each girl is hoping to win, so I was just thinking ahead and trying to live in the moment, even though that is super hard when you are going for something you’ve been dreaming of since you were little.”

The competition week consisted of early mornings in hair and makeup and lots of photo shoots. Halvorsen participated in the Sashing Ceremony and a visit to a car museum, which is extra special for Halvorsen because she is a drag racer along with her pageant life.

Halvorsen represented the state of Nebraska in interviews, a costume showcase, and rehearsals, which all lead to prelims and eventually the finals on Thursday, October 23. Halvorsen was an outstanding contender, but the title of Miss Teen USA went to Mailyn Marsh from Missouri. However, the title of Miss USA went to a Nebraska native, Audrey Eckert.

“I was in tears and I was freaking out as soon as she made top 20 and I was just freaking out the more and more placements she moved up,” Halvorsen said.

Now that Eckert is representing the USA at Miss Universe, Halvorsen will have to step up her role as Miss Nebraska Teen USA since she is now the only representative of the state.

“Kaitlyn leads with passion, determination, and a commitment to breaking barriers,” the Miss Nebraska Teen USA website reads. “She is excited to continue inspiring others through every stage of her journey.”

Halvorsen will continue to cherish her time as Miss Nebraska Teen USA as she works with sponsors and makes appearances around the state. East is honored to have Halvorsen as a student and can’t wait to see what exciting things she does next!